Babar Azam Expecting Love And Support From Crowd In India During ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistan National Cricket Team captain Babar Azam is expecting love and support from the Indian crowd during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which is set to be hosted by India.

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is the 13th edition of the 50-over Cricket World Cup, which will be held from October 5 to November 19. This is the first time India will be hosting a World Cup alone, having previously co-hosted the World Cups with other countries in 1987, 1996, and 2011.

Reportedly, Indian ministries are yet to approve visas for Pakistan spectators hoping to attend the World Cup. When asked about the team missing Pakistan fans in the stadiums in India, Babar Azam said it was unfortunate but was hopeful of receiving support from Indian fans.

“Unfortunately, we will be missing our fans,” Azam told reporters in a pre-departure press conference.

“However, as far as I know, all our games are all sold out and we will be playing in jam-packed stadiums so there will be support for us. Everyone who travelled to India before told me that they got huge love in India, so we expect the same,” he said.

“I don’t think our fans will sit silent, they will back us from the social media and other platforms and pray for our win.”

Although we have not played in India before, we are not.. – Babar Azam

Babar Azam was also asked about traveling to India for the very first time for the World Cup. He responded that although most of the players are traveling to India for the first time, they are not taking too much pressure. Babar Azam said:

“All of us are proud of travelling for the World Cup. Although we have not played in India before, we are not taking too much pressure. We have done our research and we have heard the conditions are similar to how they play out in other Asian countries. It is quite an honour for me to travel as the captain this time around, I hope we come back with a trophy this time.”

Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6. Ahead of that game, they lock horns with New Zealand and Australia in warm-ups on September 29 and on October 3.